Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Let’s be honest-the Canadiens are putting us through an emotional rollercoaster. The season is strong, but the standings are tightening fast.
With a record of 37-21-10 and 84 points in 68 games, Martin St-Louis’ group is right in the middle of a dogfight.
Montreal holds a 19-13-2 record at home and 18-8-8 on the road this season.
The playoff probability, which sat at 91% on March 15, is starting to slip.
We’re now looking at a fragile situation if risk management doesn’t improve quickly.
Nick Suzuki continues to lead the charge with 81 points in 68 NHL games this season. Behind him, Cole Caufield is terrorizing goaltenders with 40 goals, an impressive career high.
Simply put, Lane Hutson has been electric with 58 assists in 68 games.
Yet despite this offensive production, the team’s defensive balance appears fragile at key moments.
The final stretch is shaping up to be intense
After last night’s loss, the Habs playoff chances are currently at 75.8%.
Let’s admit it, Martin St-Louis will need to push his group to avoid last year’s collapse scenario.
They have 84 points, but Columbus and the Islanders are right behind with 83.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes, who holds a 22-8-4 record, will need to be outstanding in net.
Every point collected through the weekend will be critical moving forward.
They cannot afford to drop games against direct rivals.
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